One of the things we love about our personal stationery is that you can, well, personalize it, whether simply with your name or initials, or something as creative as a favorite verse, lyric, original writing or photo. Once the note card is printed, however, what’s inside is all up to you. There are a myriad of reasons to send a personal note, and lots of creative ways to make them even more personal. Not feeling very creative? Here are some of the more delightful note card ideas we’ve heard from our customers that we’re happy to pass along to you.

• Include a gift card for your favorite coffee place with a note saying “Let’s have coffee!”
• Include a photo you’ve taken that is special to you…a place you visited, your family, the flowers you grew, or a picture of you and your friend from way back when.
• Include something your child just drew that day – kid art, especially for her.
• Send her some tea bags, because you know she became addicted to Earl Grey when she was in London.
• Enclose an article that made you laugh because you used to pour over People Magazine together.
• Send a poem that reminds you of a time you spent together.
• A quote from the past is always good for a laugh…the best jokes are the old ones.
• Send the lyrics to a song that reminds you of a wonderful time.
• Enclose a recipe you’ve been meaning to share with her–maybe she’ll send her secret recipe back.
• A fortune from a fortune cookie that made you think, “This is you!”
• Instead of moving announcements, stick matching address labels on the inside of your personal note cards.

We hope you enjoyed our note card ideas. Now, go, send someone a smile.

We all fall back on this basic format when we are in a hurry, or don’t know the recipient very well. But often a formal note doesn’t feel right, especially for a close friend or someone who’s done something unexpectedly nice.  Sometimes a simple heartfelt thanks in your own words works better.  But what to say?

Some of our customers have quoted writers or religious verses, written their own personal haikus, said thank you in multiple languages, or included artwork or photos of themselves or their children holding a hand-painted “Thank You.”  We’re amazed by the creativity!

Depending on the relationship you have, being a little cheeky and clever is welcome and sure to incite laughter. We think any friend would smile at this most simple personalized note card: “You’re the best. I’m lucky to know you.

We all have the power to make someone feel good, we just don’t use it often enough.  And the truth is, a thank you note makes the sender feel just as good as the person who receives it. So for all you wannabee thank-you-note-writers, here are a few ways to make yourself (and someone else) feel good.

Send a card to thank your sister for being helpful with your kids

Thank a soldier for serving his or her country

Thank your professional mentor you haven’t talked to in a while

Send a teacher a thank you note in the middle of the school year instead of at the end

Thank your hubby in a handwritten personalized note card for being such a great guy

One of the most rewarding thank you cards, for both you and the recipient, is the one the recipient least expects; and most importantly, the one that shares something that’s in your heart. Try it and see how good you feel!